A weathered granite slab. Above the King Law Ka Shuk’s main entrance it bears the name. Carved by Tang Yi-nga a renowned calligrapher. His elegant script speaks of generations.
Welcome to the King Law Ka Shuk. This isn’t just any ancestral hall. It’s the heart of the Tang clan in Tai Po Tau Tsuen. For centuries this building has witnessed countless events. From clan meetings to festive celebrations. It’s a living testament to a rich history.
Built sometime in the Qing Dynasty. Nobody knows the exact year. Villagers say Tang Yuen-wang built it. He was the thirteenth generation. He wanted to honour Tang King-law. King-law was the first ancestor of the Lau Kwong Tong lineage. The King Law Ka Shuk was more than just a place of worship. It served as a study hall too. Students learned Bok Bok Chai. This was a traditional teaching method. Emphasis on memorising classics and strict discipline. Up to forty students learned here. The left side cockloft housed teachers and single students.
For a time the King Law Ka Shuk housed the Kai Chi School. It moved in 1953. After that it was used solely as an ancestral hall. A venue for clan meetings and traditional festivals.
The King Law Ka Shuk is a three-hall two-courtyard structure. A functional design. Elegant ornamental features too. Geometric motifs adorn the roof ridges and wall friezes. Leafy and floral patterns grace the inner eaves. Two drum terraces stand in front. Each terrace has two granite columns supporting the roof.
The building had a major restoration. This ran from late 1998 to January 2001. The Hong Kong government funded the restoration. The Antiquities and Monuments Office monitored it. Experts from Guangdong also advised. They ensured it was restored to its Qing Dynasty style. Many modern additions were removed. However some features were retained. For example the six-level altar in the main chamber. Made in Guangzhou in 1932. It holds the soul tablets of ancestors from Yuen-leung to King-law.
John Hurd a conservator from the UK helped restore the altar. He brought back its original splendour. The restoration was a community effort. Villagers participated in weekly meetings. They gave valuable input. The beam-raising ceremony was particularly significant. Senior clan members attended.
This isn’t just a building. It’s a living story. A story of family. Tradition and resilience. A story that continues to this day. In 2001 the restored King Law Ka Shuk won a UNESCO award. Recognising its beautiful restoration and continued use by the community. Today you can see this living testament to history. The King Law Ka Shuk. A place that weaves together the past present and future.